Mr. De Merode isn't helping things, either. While rightfully punishing Hunter, he also made remarks that the U.S. track and field association has habitually hid positive drug results from the IOC. De Merode's claims are something to look into, but his lack of evidence doesn't engender any trustworthy feelings.

So what can be done? Obviously, the athletes and coaches themselves must take the first steps. Training, exercise and diet are proper paths; banned substances aren't. They also ought to educate themselves more (with help from their countries) about what exactly is and isn't banned, to avoid any mistakes.

Second, there has to be more communication among the various national associations, sports federations and the IOC. It is absolutely preposterous that the IOC isn't required to be informed of every drug infraction. Drug testing may be a joke in smaller events, but at the Olympics it should be of paramount importance.

Sadly, I expect over the course of the next several days, as the 2000 Games wind down, that there will probably be more drug violations. Even sadder, there will be medal winners who will never be caught, perhaps denying a "clean" athlete of a medal. It is unfortunate that every young swimmer, runner or rower should be suspected of drug use when he wins a medal, but it is a fair price to pay for perhaps one day having "the cleanest Games ever."